Messi scores hat-trick in Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener

June 17, 2026

Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City with a hat-trick from Lionel Messi. The captain equalled the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Lionel Messi scored all three goals in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in the opening match of Group J at the 2026 World Cup. The game took place in Kansas City.

The Argentine captain equalled Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. After the match Messi posted on Instagram: “Feliz por el comienzo, agradecido por el cariño y muy orgulloso de ver a este grupo volver a competir como viene haciéndolo todos estos años”.

Coach Lionel Scaloni embraced Messi as he left the pitch and told him “Te quiero mucho”. Argentina’s next opponent is Austria on Monday 22 June in Dallas.

What people are saying

Initial reactions on X celebrate Messi's historic hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, highlighting his record-equaling performance, first World Cup hat-trick at age 38, and strong start to the title defense.

🇦🇷 MESSI MADNESS IN KANSAS CITY 🇦🇷

Soccer’s biggest superstar captivates the country with a historic hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Algeria.

My quick report from this morning ⬇️ @WIBWsports #WorldCup2026 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/tI5CJ115wC

— Jason Kinander (@WIBWJason) June 17, 2026

38 years old. 200th cap. Sixth World Cup ever played by one man. Messi scores his first-ever World Cup hat-trick as Argentina demolish Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City. Level with Klose's all-time record of 16 goals. The king is not done.#Messi #Argentina #WorldCup2026 #FIFA2026 pic.twitter.com/JWGn8bucEu

— PFM Media Ltd (@pfm_studio) June 17, 2026

🚨 MESSI MAGIC IN KANSAS CITY! 🐐 Lionel drops a WORLD CUP HAT-TRICK (17', 60', 76') as Argentina smash Algeria 3-0!
First WC hat-trick for the GOAT, ties Klose for all-time top scorer, and starts the title defense with a BANG! Sixth World Cup and still cooking.
Who’s stopping La…

— Samp&Chance (@Samp_Chance) June 17, 2026

HISTORY IN KANSAS CITY! 🇦🇷🎩

Lionel Messi scores his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to secure a flawless 3-0 victory for Argentina over Algeria!

Is he taking home another trophy? 👇🔥 pic.twitter.com/4UizoZ9Q3H

— 𝔾𝕝𝕠𝕓𝕒𝕝 𝔹𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕕♛ (@Brand_Anuj) June 17, 2026

Kansas City in Messi mode! 🐐🇦🇷 Lionel Messi hat‑trick turns 3–0 win into a citywide takeover.

🇦🇷 Fans are calling it the Messi takeover, streets, stadium, and scoreboard all painted blue and white.

Argentina 3–0 Algeria.pic.twitter.com/ivo5iYxmm7 https://t.co/IphHaKddQv

— War Updates FC (@k_c_shivansh) June 17, 2026

Sources

• https://tn.com.ar/show/famosos/2026/06/17/la-mama-de-messi-conto-como-vivio-su-familia-el-debut-de-la-seleccion-en-el-mundial-2026/
• https://tn.com.ar/deportes/mundial/2026/2026/06/17/lionel-messi-le-regalo-un-momento-inolvidable-a-la-familia-de-un-jugador-de-argelia-tras-la-victoria-argentina/
• https://tn.com.ar/deportes/mundial/2026/2026/06/17/es-brasileno-fue-a-los-festejos-del-partido-de-la-seleccion-argentina-en-kansas-y-termino-de-la-mejor-manera/
• https://tn.com.ar/deportes/mundial/2026/2026/06/17/scaloni-estaba-en-plena-charla-y-paso-algo-insolito-los-aspersores-se-activaron-y-mojaron-a-los-jugadores/
• https://tn.com.ar/musica/noticias/2026/06/17/luck-ra-acerto-el-resultado-del-debut-de-la-seleccion-y-va-por-mas-ese-es-mi-prode/
• https://tn.com.ar/deportes/mundial/2026/2026/06/17/tras-la-goleada-ante-argelia-la-seleccion-argentina-vuelve-a-entrenarse-con-la-mira-en-austria/
• https://www.perfil.com/noticias/bloomberg/bc-la-fiebre-por-el-messi-dorado-sacude-a-los-fanaticos-argentinos.phtml
• https://tn.com.ar/show/famosos/2026/06/17/ian-lucas-fue-con-su-nueva-novia-a-ver-el-debut-mundialista-de-la-seleccion-las-primeras-fotos-de-la-pareja/
• https://tn.com.ar/deportes/mundial/2026/2026/06/17/una-encuesta-revelo-cual-es-el-pais-que-mas-esta-apoyando-a-la-seleccion-argentina-en-el-mundial/
• https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/world-cup-news/lionel-messi-ronaldo-mbappe/